Joseph David Sims, Sr.

Mr. Joseph David Sims, Sr., age 90, of Bremen, passed away on August 2, 2026. He was born on August 2, 1936, in Smyrna, Alabama, the son of the late William Mark Sims and the late Effie Gardner Sims. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Bill Sims and John Sims; and his sisters, Grace Crawford and Llewellyn Walton.

Mr. Sims graduated from Shelby County High School in Alabama before proudly serving his country in the United States Army Corps of Engineers during the Vietnam War era. Following his military service, he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and later continued his education by obtaining a Master's Degree in Law.

Mr. Sims enjoyed a distinguished career as a Civil Engineer with Norfolk Southern Railroad, retiring in 1995 after 30 years of dedicated service. Retirement allowed him to devote more time to the things he loved most, including gardening, woodworking, square dancing, and playing dominoes. Joe was known for his patience, practicality, quiet wisdom, and eloquence. Though a man of few words, his actions spoke volumes. A faithful Christian with a true servant's heart, he placed his family at the center of his life. He dearly loved his children and treasured every moment spent as a devoted "PawPaw" and "Granddaddy." Joe lived a full and meaningful life, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons and daughters-in-law, Bart and Joyce Sims of Carrollton and Joe Sims, Jr. and Deborah Sims of Bremen; his daughters and son-in-law, Leila and Scott Elliott of Temple and Leslie Wright of Fayetteville, Arkansas; his grandchildren and their spouses, Doug and Jamie Sims, Clay and Priscilla Sims, Bonnie and Noah Folker, Matthew Sims, Brandon and Ashley Elliott, Meghann and Craig Jacobs, Maggie and Justin McDonald, and Andrew and Courtney Wright; thirteen great-grandchildren; his special friend and companion, Jessie Durham; his devoted caregiver and adopted family member, Fontella Keith; along with numerous other relatives and friends.

Memorial services with military honors will be conducted on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Hutcheson-Croft Funeral Home with the Reverend Joe Sims, Jr. officiating. Special music will be provided by Keith McBrayer.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Messages of condolence may be expressed to the family by signing the online guestbook at www.croftfuneralhome.com.

Hutcheson-Croft Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Temple is honored to serve the family of Mr. Joseph David Sims, Sr.